CPR Key To ASEAN Unity, Say Experts
KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama) -- The Committee for Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR) plays a vital role in ensuring member states remain united and move in tandem towards regional integration despite their diverse political systems, national priorities and varying levels of development, said two academic experts.
Prof Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani, senior lecturer in Politics and International Relations at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), said that since its establishment in 1967, ASEAN has expanded from just three to 10 member states united by shared interests.
'It is certainly not easy to unify all ASEAN countries given their differing national interests, fiscal economies, cultures and languages.
'However, the strength of this region lies in its vast market potential, with over 680 million people and an economic value reaching trillions of dollars,' he said during a special broadcast on Bernama TV last night in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit.
He said the ASEAN Way, which emphasises non-interference and consensus-based decision-making, remains relevant despite frequent criticism.
'For example, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's efforts to address the Myanmar crisis do not equate to recognising the junta, but are aimed at seeking a solution to the humanitarian issue,' he said.
He added that the CPR plays a critical role in bridging decisions made at the highest levels of ASEAN leadership with implementation at the domestic level in each member state.
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